Major AI Moves: Intel Nears $1.6B SambaNova Deal & US Launches 'Tech Force' | December 17, 2025

📋 Quick Takeaways

Intel in advanced talks to acquire SambaNova Systems for $1.6 billion, a potential lifeline in its battle against Nvidia.
US Government launches “Tech Force” to recruit 1,000 AI experts and engineers for federal service modernization.
Duke University unveils AI that decodes “hidden laws of nature” directly from raw physical data without human input.
OpenAI-backed Chai Discovery raises $130M at a $1.3B valuation to revolutionize drug design.
Amazon exposes massive GRU cyber espionage campaign targeting Western infrastructure since 2021.
Instagram rolls out “Your Algorithm” allowing users to reset recommendations, while DoorDash pilots AI dining app “Zesty.”

💼 Major M&A & Industry Shifts

Intel Negotiates $1.6 Billion Acquisition of SambaNova Systems

Strategic Consolidation: Industry reports from December 16 confirm that Intel is in advanced negotiations to acquire AI chip startup SambaNova Systems for approximately $1.6 billion.

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Major AI News: OpenAI Launches GPT-5.2 & $1B Disney Deal | December 12, 2025

📋 Quick Takeaways

OpenAI Launches GPT-5.2, a major update targeting professional use cases with superior coding and finance capabilities.
OpenAI Signs Historic $1B Deal with Disney, bringing iconic characters to ChatGPT and Sora video generation.
TIME Magazine Names “Architects of AI” as the 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing the leaders behind the AI revolution.
President Trump Signs Executive Order establishing a unified national AI regulation framework, overriding state laws.
Market Rebound: Stocks rise as buyers return to the tech sector following recent volatility.
Ads Coming to ChatGPT: Leaks suggest OpenAI is preparing to introduce advertisements to its flagship chatbot.

🚀 Major Model Releases & Partnerships

OpenAI Launches GPT-5.2: A Leap for Professional AI

Major Release: OpenAI released GPT-5.2 on December 11, a significant upgrade designed to compete directly with Google’s Gemini 3. The new model offers substantial improvements in specialized fields.